Boris Johnson did not consult watchdog over paid role with hedge fund

Ex-UK PM was required to seek permission for paid role with Merlyn Advisors, for whom he spoke to Venezuela president

Boris Johnson did not seek permission from the post-ministerial jobs watchdog before taking a role as a consultant to a hedge fund, on whose behalf he met the Venezuelan president.

As a former minister, Johnson is required to seek the advice of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) for two years from September 2022, when he left office. The committee’s advice typically comes with restrictions on lobbying and contact with the UK government. It was writing to Johnson on the matter, a source said.